South African President Denounces Flag-Burning Election Advertisement
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), for featuring an image of the national flag engulfed in flames in one of its election adverts.
The DA defended its use of the image, stating that it aimed to underscore its argument that the country is facing significant challenges.
While burning the flag is not illegal, President Ramaphosa denounced the depiction as an “abuse,” contending that it undermines national unity. Campaigning ahead of the May 29 general election has become increasingly contentious.
In the advert, as the flag burns, a voice-over warns of worsening conditions under the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has held power since 1994. The flag’s burning is reversed as the speaker urges support for the DA, emphasizing the election as crucial for survival.
Critics accused the DA of disrespecting the flag to highlight citizen challenges. In a statement, President Ramaphosa affirmed the importance of free speech but emphasized the need for it to be exercised with respect and without inciting unrest or violence.
While acknowledging existing challenges, President Ramaphosa has also highlighted South Africa’s progress over the past three decades, particularly since the end of apartheid. He stressed that South Africans are more educated, empowered, and healthier than they were during apartheid and urged against jeopardizing this progress.
DA leader John Steenhuisen defended the advert, describing it as a symbolic representation of the potential future under different political outcomes. Another DA official, Ashor Sarupen, noted the lack of controversy surrounding previous adverts and expressed surprise at the attention directed towards this one.
